[Duplicate] War Office 9 June 1797. Sir, I have received your letters of the 25 of April and 1. 8. & 15 of May Ultimo, with their several references. Yesterday the Secretary of State received letters from M^r Ellicot, by which it would appear that scruples on the part of Governor Gayoso had retarded the evacuation of the posts. These scruples or objections are 1. That in his opinion the forts ought to be demolished 2. That he thought it necessary to continue his force in that quarter till the claims of Spanish subjects to lands should be adjusted by negociation. As to the first, our Officer may be instructed to agree to the demolition of the Works, if insisted on. As to the second, he will assure the Governor that he is authorized to say that no person shall be disturbed in his possession or property, until an opportunity has been afforded to apply to Congress, and that they may rely upon their claims being adjusted upon the most equitable principles. It is to be presumed that on receiving these explanations the Spanish Garrisons will be withdrawn. If however, contrary to expectation, this should not happen, our Officer is to take a secure position, but not so near them as to give any cause to the Spanish Garrisons to apprehend insult or injury. As posts in the Indian Country may tend to give alarm to the Natives, especially if pains should have been previously taken to mislead or deceive them, the Officer should be apprized of this circumstance, furnished with the means to counteract such practices, and be on his guard against them. You may therefore put into his possession, to be distributed among the Choctaws or other Indians, should he find it necessary, one of the ten years presents allotted to the Chickasaws, which were sent to Fort Washington. The Officer, when he halts with the Chickasaws will endeavour to ascertain whether they remain attached to the United States and the state in which the Spaniards have left the fors. Wolf's friend of the Chickasaws writes, under date of the 1. April "dont expect there is a Spaniard in the Bluff, for the Garrison is demolished. You know a Man named Hoanton. He is there. You must not consider he belongs to the Spaniards, he belongs to us Chickasaws." I believe it to be wholly unnecessary to suggest to you to take the most effectual steps to know, as early as possible, the result of the demand and explanation, and the position which may be assumed by our troops, in case of a refusal, and to afford them every assistance which the case may require. You will appreciate circumstances, use a sound discretion, and establish between you and them the speediest mode of communication. I leave it therefore with you to determine whether it will not be expedient to augment the force and military Stores in advance by a further detachment and supply. With respect to your own position, it appears to me adviseable that it should be at Fort Washington, if not Massac, and that you should suspend visiting the posts on the Lakes till further orders. Fearing you might have left Fort Washington I have forwarded a Copy of this letter to Cap. Guion. I am Sir with respect Your ob^d Servant James McHenry General James Wilkinson